1949 Mercury Woodie Station Wagon

The first all-new postwar Mercury was the 1949 model. It was a big departure from the previous generation, which was based on prewar designs. Two-door Mercury sedans are icons of the custom car hobby with their chopped tops and extensive lead work. A much more rare, but equally desirable model, is the Mercury woodie station wagon. They are similar to the 1949 Ford woodies, but with unique sheetmetal and larger engines, and they were the most expensive of the four body styles offered by Ford's mid-tier division that year. The woodie wagon cost more than the convertible and was twice as rare with only 8,044 produced. This restored 1949 Mercury woodie station wagon is one of the survivors: It was restored over a 10-year period with the finishing touches completed in 2016. Its highly desirable overdrive helps the car keep up with modern traffic. - the original 255-cu.in. flathead V-8 resides under the hood of this Mercury woodie. The engine has been rebuilt, although the seller doesn't know when. He does report that it doesn't leak or smoke. The three-speed manual transmission, also believed to be original to this wagon, is said to shift well and have a working overdrive. The car was converted to a 12-volt electrical system from the original 6 volts. That is the only deviation from original noted . Maroon paint contrasts nicely with the handsome wood body. All metal parts were reportedly stripped bare before painting.- no rust issues, but the passenger's-side rocker panel has been replaced. There are no dents or paint swirls, but there are a few paint chips. The glass was new when the car was restored. The wood is said to be original, but refinished. The old varnish was stripped and no rot or soft wood was found. The bumpers and grille were re-chromed - The interior follows the exterior color scheme with maroon vinyl bench seats that contrast nicely with the interior wood pieces. This woodie has all three bench seats. They have been reupholstered with correct LeBarron Bonney materials. The dashboard and metal interior trim pieces were repainted to resemble real wood. New rubber floormats were installed and battleship linoleum covers the cargo deck. Interior bright pieces were either rechromed or polished. - The chassis is reportedly original to the car.- everything is in good operating condition, but he doesn't know specifics about any past repairs. He states that the brakes, bushings, and shocks seem fine and that there is no play in the steering. The Coker wide whitewall tires were installed in 2015 and have approximately 95-percent remaining tread. Additional paperwork includes lots of receipts for the restoration work and related parts. This uncommon, flathead V-8-powered 1949 Mercury woodie station wagon is being sold solely because the seller is downsizing his collection.